LABOUR ACT
Act · Labour
An Act governs employment terms and conditions for workers across Nigeria. It targets employers and employees in the formal sector, including protections for women and young persons. This ensures minimum standards and remedies for labour violations.
LABOUR ACT
What Is This Policy?
Nigeria's principal employment legislation governing the terms and conditions of employment for workers, covering contracts of employment, discharge, special protections for women and young persons, and enforcement.
Who Does It Target?
All employers and employees in the formal sector Labour unions and trade associations Federal Ministry of Labour enforcement officers Courts hearing labour disputes
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Establish minimum employment standards, protect workers from exploitation, regulate contracts of employment, and provide remedies for unlawful termination and labour violations.
Key Features
Written Contracts: Requires written statements of employment terms to be given to all workers. Termination Provisions: Regulates notice periods for termination and entitlements upon lawful discharge. Young Persons Protection: Restricts employment of young persons in hazardous occupations. Women Protections: Provides maternity leave entitlements and prohibits dismissal for pregnancy.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide formal employment sector Beneficiaries: All employed workers in Nigeria Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
All workers are entitled to a written contract of employment within 3 months of engagement Workers may file labour complaints with the Labour Inspectorate Trade disputes may be referred to the Industrial Arbitration Panel Application method: Labour complaints: Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Important Terms
Minimum notice periods for termination depend on frequency of wage payment Female workers are entitled to 12 weeks paid maternity leave Forced labour and trafficking in labour are criminal offences
Official Resources
Website: https://www.labour.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment
Legal Framework
Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Trade Unions Act 2004, the National Industrial Court Act 2006, the Factories Act, the Employees Compensation Act 2010, the National Minimum Wage Act (as amended), and ILO Conventions ratified by Nigeria including Convention No. 87, 98, and 138.